The brewery, which contracted with Idaho-based Hansen-Rice -- a company that specializes in food processing buildings -- received its foundation permit in October. Chief Building Official Brian Gerving said Friday that he anticipated the establishment would be given its building permit that day.

"With that, they'll be able to begin erecting the steel for the building," Gerving said.

The project will place a 600,000-barrel-per-year brewery on a 9.3-acre parcel of pastureland located east of South Broadway between Sunset Road and Ocean View Cemetery. Neighbors have raised concerns ranging from obstructed views to the removal of cypress trees at the site.

When complete, visitors will find a 120-barrel brew house, new fermenters, a bottling line, small store, tasting area and a brew house from Germany in the 55,000-square-foot building. The new site will allow the brewery to quadruple its output.

"Over the years, we're going to try to develop it as more of a tourist destination so there will be more things to do," Groom said. "It's always been my desire to help keep people in Humboldt County longer. I've always wanted to do tours and make it special."

A new site is necessary because the current location is an old, worn-out warehouse.

"It's not made for a brewery," Groom said.

She declined to disclose how much the expansion will cost, but the city has agreed to pay over $500,000 in public utility and road improvements because the public utilities at the site are substandard.

According to a city staff report, the expanded facility is expected to add local jobs and generate an estimated $150,000 in sales tax.

"The council is very excited for the new business it will bring to the city," Councilwoman Melinda Ciarabellini said. "I've supported the project from the start."

Mayor Frank Jager called it a "great project for the city" -- and for Groom.

The brewery's building path hasn't been completely smooth.

Some concerns were raised in March after the removal of 21 cypress trees along Sunset Road, which will act as an entrance to the business and the surrounding neighborhood, several days before raptor nesting season would have prevented their removal. City staff looked into the issue and determined the brewery was within its rights.

Neighbors have expressed opposition, citing noise, smell, view and traffic impacts that could affect property values in the vicinity.

Councilwoman Marian Brady said she thinks the neighborhood will benefit.

"I think that with people working there, they're going to be looking for housing so they can walk to work," Brady said.